PVC Pipe Alternatives

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Page - May 5, 2005

Sunlight, heat and impact damage are the main causes of early repair or replacement of PVC systems. Though all materials are affected by expansion and contraction, this occurs to a greater degree in PVC, which places a constant strain upon the joints and the fixings.

Furthermore, though progress has been made in combating aging and brittleness inherent in PVC pipes, the problem has not been completely solved and this aging exacerbates the wear caused by expansion and contraction, as does the hardening of the rubber seals used at the joints.

There are a range of traditional and new material alternatives to PVC in above/below ground and indoor/outdoor piping. Many alternatives offer the same or improved qualities over PVC and do not pose the same lifecycle hazards. The buyer must consider both pros and cons of various pipe products when purchasing alternatives. Building codes (both local and national) may contain specifications that require using one product over another. Please refer to building codes in your area for specifics. Other issues to consider when choosing pipes include: ease of installation (including additional supports or labor necessary to prepare the pipe substrate), weight, price, and durability. For example, while a PVC pipe drainage system may initially cost much less than a comparable vitrified clay pipe system, one must consider that the clay pipe system may last as much as 4-5 times longer than the PVC system. Additionally, one area of concern is joints and couplings. If a product must use cements and joint compounds one must consider the implied environmental and health risks associated with those products.

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